Communications Authority Makes Available the 5 GHz Shared Band for the Provision of Higher Speed Public Mobile Services

The Communications Authority (“CA”) announced today (4 June 2018) its decision to make available 580 MHz of spectrum in the 5 GHz band (consisting of four sub-bands of frequencies in 5150 – 5250 MHz, 5250 – 5350 MHz, 5470 – 5725 MHz, and 5725 – 5850 MHz) (the “5 GHz Shared Band”) for the provision of public mobile services on a shared basis, as well as the associated regulatory and licensing regime.

“The CA’s decision will enable Hong Kong to become one of the first few economies in the world to adopt advanced mobile technologies, such as Licensed Assisted Access, in the 5 GHz Shared Band for the provision of higher speed public mobile services. With a total bandwidth of 580 MHz, this represents a significant addition to the existing total capacity of the 552 MHz of spectrum in the sub-3 GHz bands already assigned to mobile network operators (“MNOs”). Mobile users will stand to benefit from the increased service quality and capacity to be provided by MNOs through the use of the 5 GHz Shared Band,” a spokesperson for the CA said.

The CA conducted a public consultation in February 2018 on its proposal to make available the 5 GHz Shared Band for the provision of public mobile services on a shared basis. The proposal received general support from the industry.

“With immediate effect, MNOs may apply to the CA for the use of the concerned band on a shared basis to provide public mobile services through necessary amendments to their unified carrier licences,” the spokesperson said.

“The CA has been actively exploring ways to make available additional spectrum for the provision of public mobile services. The CA will continue to closely monitor the market and technology developments and will make available other suitable spectrum in a timely manner to further enhance the development of the mobile industry in Hong Kong for the benefits of our mobile users,” the spokesperson added.

For details of the CA’s decision on the use of the 5 GHz Shared Band for the provision of public mobile services, please refer to the CA Statement published by the CA today, which is available at the CA’s website.